mmm! | Welcome Home Cocktails

Find out what a Negroni is.  It might just be your new favorite cocktail!

Our favorite Italian friend, the infamous Vincenzo Gregorio Modugno (say that 3 times fast) has been working in Sante Fe for the summer, so when he finally resurfaced in Miami for a cameo appearance before heading home for a visit to Chicago, we threw an impromptu dinner to celebrate.  Gracious as ever, Vince came equipped with his own little surprise… a new signature cocktail.

Vince’s World Famous Negroni Sbagliato

• 4 parts Prosecco
• 1 part Campari (Italian bitters)
• 1 orange slice
• 2 Cerignola olives skewered
• Pour prosecco over rocks, add Campari and stir gently.  Squeeze a splash of orange in, then rim glass and garnish.  Add skewered olives and serve

Negronis in general can be an acquired taste.   Campari (Italian bitters) are, well… quite bitter, so having the squeeze of orange is great, especially for beginners.  You can also substitute Campari, for it’s cousin Aperol, a sweeter version.

For  other variations of the Negroni cocktails, including the original version that has gin and sweet vermouth, check out this very informational blog post.

Our “Mangia Memoir” (what we’ll remember)

Vince walked in the door, with that beautiful hair of his, all smiles.  Hugs were had and moments later, it felt like he had never been gone.  Everyone resumed their  spots and did the usual -  ate, drank, laughed and told stories.  Welcome Home Vince!

The Meal: Rosemary/Lemon Chicken Quarters and Homemade Pesto

The Details: We seasoned the chicken with garlic powder, salt, black pepper and a squeeze of lemon, then oven-baked. We also placed a sprig of our garden rosemary beneath the chicken before placing it onto the baking pan, in order to infuse the rosemary flavor through the chicken while cooking.  We garnished with a lemon slice for individuals to add at their liking.  Pesto was just some of the frozen walnut pesto we made a while back.

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